S. 2453: Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience Authorization Act

This bill, known as the Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience Authorization Act, aims to establish a cooperation initiative in the defense industrial sectors of the United States and its allied countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Here’s a breakdown of its key components:

Establishment of a Cooperation Initiative

The bill mandates the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to create and maintain a security cooperation initiative (referred to as the "Partnership"). This partnership aims to strengthen collaboration among the defense industrial bases of the U.S. and its allies in the Indo-Pacific region.

Objectives of the Partnership

The Partnership will focus on several objectives, including:

• Ensuring the production and supply of materials necessary for equipping the U.S. Armed Forces and the military forces of allied countries.
• Enhancing the collective defense industrial base by increasing capabilities, capacities, and workforce resilience, along with improving supply chain security among participating countries.
• Identifying and addressing vulnerabilities within the industrial base across partner countries.
• Advancing research and development to maintain technological superiority over potential adversaries.
• Promoting collaboration in the development, production, and procurement of defense systems.
• Encouraging innovation and standardization, improving information sharing, and reducing barriers to cooperation among participant nations.
• Addressing any other issues deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Defense.

Designation of Leadership

The Secretary of Defense is required to appoint a senior civilian official (at least at the Assistant Secretary level) to lead the Partnership initiatives within 180 days after the bill becomes law. Notifications about any changes in this leadership must be provided to Congressional defense committees.

Participation of Allied Countries

The Secretary of Defense, along with the Secretary of State, will establish a process to invite specific allied countries (including Australia, Japan, South Korea, India, the Philippines, and New Zealand) to participate as members of the Partnership.

Authorities for Implementation

To implement this initiative, the Secretary of Defense is authorized to:

• Form agreements with counterparts in participating countries.
• Create working groups and facilitate technical exchanges.
• Provide support and technical assistance to partner nations.
• Utilize funds appropriated for international cooperation programs relevant to industrial base resilience.
• Engage with various stakeholders, including industry and academia, to help reach the Partnership's goals.

Reporting and Briefings

The Secretary of Defense must submit annual reports on the Partnership's status, starting March 1, 2027, and continuing through 2031. These reports should assess industrial vulnerabilities, cooperation efforts, joint production initiatives, priority initiatives for the next fiscal year, and any recommendations for legislative or policy changes.

The Secretary is also required to provide annual briefings to Congressional defense committees starting December 1, 2026, and continuing through 2030, regarding the progress toward meeting the Partnership's objectives.

Termination of Authority

The authority granted under this section of the bill will expire on December 31, 2030.

Relevant Companies

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